65. Soft Planning for Teachers: Start the Year with Purpose & Peace

Soft Planning for Teachers: Start the Year with Purpose & Peace

Feeling that mid-summer teacher tension? You’re not alone. In this episode of Why Edify, Jeremy Jorgensen invites you to take a breath and embrace "soft planning"—a mindful, values-driven approach to preparing for the new school year without burnout.

From reconnecting with the joy of reading to tuning into your body’s signals, Jeremy shares simple yet powerful practices to help you ground yourself, reflect on what truly matters, and align your classroom with your core values. Learn how to write your “not this year” list, draft a feelings-first vision, and reframe planning as an act of presence—not pressure.

Whether you're walking the dog, sipping coffee, or sitting in the summer sun, this episode is your gentle guide toward a joyful, grounded start to the school year.

💬 Reflection prompt: What do you want more of and less of in your teaching life next year?

Takeaways

- Give yourself permission to dream ahead without pressure.

- Reframe reading as relational to rekindle love for stories.

- Pay attention to physical reactions when thinking about teaching.

- Planning should be rooted in values, not just tasks.

- Identify what you want more of and less of in your teaching life.

- Create a 'not this year' list to leave behind burdens.

- Take time for self-awareness and reflection.

- Use feelings to guide your vision for the classroom.

- Set aside time for non-planning to recharge.

- Draft a feelings-first vision for your classroom.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Soft Planning

02:54 Reframing Reading and Building Connections

05:47 Grounding in Wellness and Self-Awareness

08:45 Planning from Values and Reflection

09:40 Practical Tips for a Joyful Teaching Year

✨ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s build a healthier, happier teaching practice—together.

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